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NEW HELP TO GROW MANAGEMENT ESSENTIALS COURSE

UK Government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new online training course filled with practical advice and resources for small business leaders.The free short course is an introductory version of the full Help to Grow: Management course to reach even more small businesses.Essentials is the latest addition to the Help to Grow toolkit supporting UK small businesses to scale up and grow.The UK Government has today launched the new Help to Grow: Management Essentials course, a sho...

NEW PODCAST: MEET HELENE CASTEL FROM LN DIGITAL CREATOR

In this episode Melanie talks to Helene Castel, business owner at LN Digital Creator.Helene first attended a DBN meeting in January and hasn't missed a meeting since!She started her business at the turn of the year after working in corporate all her life. Her main focus and passion is website design although she does offer additional digital marketing support to her clients. Helene's native tongue is French which allows her to offer her services in French as well as English.Grab yourself a cuppa...

NEW DBN MEMBER: JUDITH MOHEBBYAN ART

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Judith (Judy) Mohebbyan from Judith Mohebbyan Art.Judith is an abstract fluid artist and sells her art online. She also does commission work for personal spaces and for businesses, creating paintings in their brand colours and style.As well as creating art, she delivers art and well-being workshops, to companies and organisations, as well as support groups.Judith is active on the following social platforms:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judithmohebbyanart/...

WELCOME DONNA LIDDLE FROM THE GENUINE CONNECTION

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Donna Liddle business owner at The Genuine Connection 👋Donna is a Confidante & Coach empowering business owners to grow authentically by nurturing their mental health and guiding them to embrace their true self so that they can cultivate a thriving business aligned with their values and find fulfilment in both their professional and personal lives.I you haven't already met Donna at one of our meetings please look out for her and introduce yourself.  ...

June Networking Meeting Confirmed at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens!

We are thrilled to announce that our June meeting will be held at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens.For those who haven't been to Ushaw before you're in for a treat! Ushaw’s history is tied to the development and growth of Christianity in our region. Beginning over a millenium ago with St Aiden in Lindisfarne!We are sure that most of our members will have met Olivia Willmore who is Development and Fundraising Manager at Ushaw. She recorded a Podcast with us earlier this year, if y...

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS: FREE EXPERT EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT REVIEW

As of April 2024, 10 legislative changes have come into effect, significantly impacting employers' obligations and responsibilities. It's important to stay up to date with these changes to mitigate potential risks to your organisation. Outdated employment contracts pose serious risks, including: Legal issues: non-compliant contracts may result in costly fines and legal repercussions.​Employee dissatisfaction: unclear or outdated terms can create&nbs...

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WITH HERITAGE 100

This is an amazing opportunity to promote your business while supporting the Heritage 100 project.For more information please contact Keiron Matthew Young on 07584 197 778 or email Keironyoung@walkandtalktrust.co.uk ...

SOMETHING WORTH SCREAMING ABOUT!

We are thrilled to learn that Niall McKay-Mount at Screaming Chimp Chilli Sauce Company has received his USA trademarks!Congratulations Niall, we are so excited to see where this next chapter of your business journey takes you. Stay Sauceome!Check out what Niall is up to on socials:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn...

DURHAM MEET THE BUYERS 2024

The event takes place at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield on Tuesday, 21st May 2024.  This event is aimed at the Visitor Economy and Hospitality industry.  The event is a great opportunity for buyers to meet relevant suppliers in the County Durham area, save time and hassle and to drive out supply chain costs by working with local suppliers. The day is filled with one-to-one appointments between buyers and local suppliers.  We pre-arrange these meetings to avoid any wasted time...

DISCOVER HOW TO SIMPLIFY WORK-LIFE BALANCE FOR YOUR TEAM!

With your team at the heart of your organisation, ensuring their well-being is a top priority.  But in today's evolving business landscape, how can you help them maintain a healthy work-life balance? Learn what you can do to promote a healthy work-life balance for your team to drive down sickness absence, spark loyalty and boost productivity with UMi Makes it Easy... to Find the Right Work-life Balance for Your Team hosted by Fraser Kennedy from Croner. &n...

NEW DBN MEMBER: WELCOME CLARE DAVIS TRAVEL COUNSELLOR

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Clare Davis 👋 Clare is a Travel Counsellor who assists with both leisure and business travel. We know that Clare has already helped some of our network members with travel plans and we've had some great feedback.I you haven't already met Clare at one of our meetings please look out for her and introduce yourself. We'll be recording a podcast with Clare early next month so that you can listen to find out more about her services.Connect on Linkedin: Clare Davis...

SEPTEMBER MEETING CONFIRMED FOR BEAMISH MUSEUM

We are thrilled to announce that our September meeting has been confirmed at Beamish Museum!This meeting has kindly been sponsored by Industrial Workwear. Time – 9.30-9.45 arrival at entrance. 9.45 walk to the Welfare Hall10am -Tea/Coffee and biscuits on arrival10am to 11am networking11am Industrial Workwear Talk 11.15am Beamish Talk11.30 New exhibit tour: Electrical Repair Shop, Toy Shop & Record Bar.12.15/30 close.More information will be released closer to the time.This event is open to...

OUR MAY MEETING IS AT DERWENT RESERVOIR SAILING CLUB

Our May meeting is at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club.Date & time: Tuesday, 21st May 2024 - 8:30-10:30Venue Address: Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club, Blanchland, Consett,County Durham, DH8 9PT.BOOK HEREThere is plenty of free parking at the front of the sailing club (around 60 spaces in total).We will be meeting in the main club house.Please note that we are anticipating this event to be busy so please book early. You won't be disappointed!We look forward to seeing you there.Melanie ...

FOUND

Imagine taking your social content and publishing it into beautiful, unique, printed books within 8 weeks.Found specialise in doing exactly that and they don’t stop there. They also design and produce stunning products that will compliment your content perfectly.Find out more via their website - https://found.us/ or email harry.collinson@wttb.co.ukAny topic. Any hobby. Any interest. By anyone, for everyone....

About Small Business

Barrie is based in Lanchester and reached out to Melanie as he's looking for small business owners to feature in his podcast.He'll be coming along to our May meeting to introduce himself and to tell us more about the projects hes working on.Interested? Pop along to our May meeting to meet Barrie....

April Networking Meeting at Derwentside College

We had a fantastic turn out at todays networking meeting at Derwentside College.Thank you to Rob Richardson from Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club for giving us an insight into the club and telling us about their upcoming open day on 1st June.  We are also thrilled to confirm that our May networking meeting will be held at the sailing club! You can book your place HEREIt was also lovely to see so many new faces today.  If anyone is interested in finding out more about becoming a DBN membe...

Supporting you to get your National Minimum Wage right 

HMRC are working with stakeholders in the North East area to provide information and guidance to support employers with getting NMW right and workers to check they are being paid correctly.  Employers can find more information by clicking here.   It’s important for worker’s to check they are being paid correctly. There is more information to support getting the correct pay here. Spotting NMW mistakes  At the end of May, HMRC will send an education...

NEW PODCAST: MEET ROB RICHARDSON FROM DERWENT RESERVOIR SAILING CLUB

In this episode Melanie talks to Rob Richardson, Club Manager at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club. Probably one of the best kept secrets in Consett, the sailing club has lots of water sports to offer. Rob talks about his plans for the club, membership options, their open day in June and how DBN members can get involved.Listen to the Podcast HEREFollow DRSC on:LinkedInFacebookInstagram...

LATEST EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES FOR 2024!

As we roll on through 2024, it's crucial for HR professionals to stay updated on the latest employment law changes as they carry significant implications for businesses across various sectors. Here, UMi Partner Croner explains the confirmed legal changes that will impact all businesses as they come into effect. Some confirmed changes are: Updates to flexible working requests.Introduction of the right to take carer’s leave.Revised...

FREE CLIMATE ACTION WORKSHOP

The Derwent Valley Partnership is working with the Durham Climate Fresk Facilitators to offer a FREE Climate Action Workshop for local residents, partners and communities. Through a series of interactive activities, the workshop will explore the science behind climate change, and the things that we can do individually, and collectively, to help our environment. Our FREE Climate Action Workshop will be taking place on Wednesday, 17th April 2024, 1pm-4pm at St Patrick’s Church Hal...

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

Industrial Workwear Limited proudly announces their 25th year anniversary, marking a quarter of a century of commitment to quality and innovation in the workwear industry.Formed as a family company in 1999, Industrial Workwear Limited based in Consett, Co Durham, has been dedicated to providing top quality workwear, uniform and PPE solutions, serving as a trusted partner for countless companies across the UK and beyond.Looking ahead, Industrial Workwear remains steadfast in its commitment t...

STAY INFORMED: KEY EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES FOR APRIL 2024!

As the employment law landscape continues to evolve, employers face a raft of new legislation changes set to come into effect in 2024. From amendments to the Equality Act 2010 to adjustments in the minimum wage and holiday pay regulations, staying informed about these developments is crucial for business. Here, UMi Partner Croner explores the  key upcoming changes and their potential impact. Some confirmed changes are: Working time and holiday - ...

THE CLARITY QUEST™ DAYDREAM AND DOODLE DAY

Invest in an immersive, impactful and transformational VIP in-person experience, limited to 10 participants.  A fun and life-changing day dedicated to daydreaming and doodling, focused on overcoming roadblocks, self-development and business growth.Ann English will be your coach as she guide you and a small group of trailblazers through Waypoint 1 in IdeasBook.  Clarify your big ideas, goals and dreams, along with what is stopping you from moving forward, so you can take impac...

NEW PODCAST: MEET ANTHONY CUNNINGHAM FROM CW FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Meet Anthony Cunningham, owner at CW Financial Management in Stanley, Co Durham.Anthony started his business in November 2023 and talks to Melanie about what inspired him to go self employed, the drive behind his passion for helping people plan for their future and the services available through his business.Listen the the podcast HEREConnect with Anthony on LinkedIn...

NEW PODCAST: MEET MICHELLE SPINKS FROM FLEET RECRUITMENT

In this episode Michelle Spinks from Fleet Recruitment talks to Melanie about reasons why an employer may decide to outsource their hiring process and highlights the main benefits that a recruitment agency provides to a businesses.Listen to podcast HEREConnect with Michelle on LinkedIn HERE...